Coun"ter*point` (koun"t?r-point`),
n. [Counter- + point.] An
opposite point [Obs.] Sir E. Sandys.
Coun"ter*point`, n. [F.
contrepoint; cf. It. contrappunto. Cf.
Contrapuntal.] (Mus.) (a) The
setting of note against note in harmony; the adding of one or
more parts to a given canto fermo or melody.
(b) The art of polyphony, or composite
melody, i. e., melody not single, but moving attended by
one or more related melodies. (c)
Music in parts; part writing; harmony; polyphonic music. See
Polyphony.
Counterpoint, an invention equivalent to a
new creation of music.
Whewell.
Coun"ter*point`, n. [OF.
contrepoincte, corruption of earlier counstepointe,
countepointe, F. courtepointe, fr. L.
culcita cushion, mattress (see Quilt, and cf.
Cushion) + puncta, fem. p. p. of pungere to
prick (see Point). The word properly meant a stitched
quilt, with the colors broken one into another.] A coverlet;
a cover for a bed, often stitched or broken into squares; a
counterpane. See 1st Counterpane.
Embroidered coverlets or counterpoints of
purple silk.
Sir T. North.
